Good to Have Friends!

I drove my son to one of his extracurricular activities in a neighboring suburb last night.  My daughter decided to go along.  After we dropped my son off at the start of the activity, my daughter and I grabbed some fast-food supper, then went to a nearby public pond.  I fly-fished, she stayed in the car to practice a speech she has to give in Spanish class.  She's a responsible student.

When we arrived at the pond, I recognized Mark and April already there fly-fishing.  We talked briefly, then I set about trying to catch some fish.  It was tough conditions...sort of windy, and a broad swath of aquatic vegetation had grown up along the entire shoreline, and was within 6" of the surface in most places.  Fish were visible on the inside weedline, which started about 2' from shore.  These fish could also see us.  Small bass were guarding nests.

Mark was using a topwater fly pattern to keep out of the weeds.  He had caught a few bluegills.  I tried the Gurgler pattern for bass, but the rough water surface didn't work to my advantage.  I switched to a microjig under an indicator and tossed it beyond the far side of the weedbed.  I had some light strikes, but nothing very aggressive.

I ended up removing the indicator, and then dapping the microjig into pockets in the weeds.  I ended up catching 1 Largemouth Bass, 4 Crappies, and 5 Bluegills doing this.

Too soon, it was time for me to leave so I could pick up my son and head home.  I got to the car, and my daughter had the key turned on, but didn't have the engine running.  I tried to start the car, but the battery was run down too low.  BUMMER!

Fortunately, Mark and April were done fishing, and were putting their gear away in their car.  I asked if they could jump my battery.  They could, and did.  AWESOME!!  What could have been a BIG DEAL, was remedied quickly and painlessly thanks to my fly-fishing friends!  THANK YOU, MARK AND APRIL!!!  I owe you!